OCZ Vector 256GB SSD review: with Indilinx Barefoot 3

First SSD from OCZ with proprietary controller

By Koen CrijnsTuesday 27 November 2012 16:57

Atto Disk Benchmark

The Atto Disk Benchmark reads and writes data blocks of different sizes as quickly as possible to random places on the SSD. We used the 4kB and 1MB tests. The 4kB tests reflect working with very small files, resembling what happens when starting up software. The 1MB test are a best-case scenario for SSDs and indicate what type of performance you can expect when working with large files, such as copying digital photos, MP3s, and films.

Four commands are simultaneously sent to the disks each time. Since the flash chips in SSDs are parallel controlled, smart controllers can execute multiple commands at once. This improves the performance. In real-life, Windows and other software will also simultaneously send multiple commands to the drives.

Please note: Atto Disk Benchmark uses compressible data. Many files - especially program files - are like this. However, files such as digital photos, MP3s, or films are barely compressible or not compressible at all. The AS SSD benchmark on the next page provides a clearer picture.

4k read

The OCZ Vector 256GB SSD reads 4 kB data blocks at 304 MB/s, and is only beaten by the Samsung 840 and 840 Pro.